Partial Knee Replacement

What Is Partial Knee Replacement ?

Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure where only a portion of the knee joint is replaced through a smaller incision compared to a total knee replacement. It is typically recommended when the damage is limited to a specific part of the knee joint and the rest of the knee joint is still healthy.

Indications For Partial Knee Replacement:

The primary indication for revision knee surgery is pain, although the underlying cause may not always be evident. In cases where the source of the pain is unclear, the surgery may not be as successful.

• Osteoarthritis: PKR is most commonly performed for patients with osteoarthritis that affects only one part of the knee joint. This is usually the inner or medial compartment of the knee. Rheumatoid arthritis: PKR may be recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis if the disease has only affected one part of the knee joint.
• Trauma: PKR may be performed for patients who have sustained a knee injury that has damaged only one part of the knee joint.
• Avascular necrosis: PKR may be considered for patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the knee, a condition in which the bone tissue in the knee joint dies due to lack of blood supply.
• Ligament damage: PKR may be recommended for patients with damage to one of the knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), that has resulted in significant wear and tear on one part of the knee joint.
• Patellofemoral arthritis: PKR may be considered for patients with patellofemoral arthritis, a condition in which the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap wears away, causing pain and stiffness in the knee joint.
• It is important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for PKR, and the decision to undergo this procedure should be made in consultation with your surgeon.

Partial Knee Replacement Procedure

During your knee replacement surgery, the replacement components will be tailored to fit your individual knee, with varying sizes used as needed. In situations where there is greater than normal bone loss, supplementary metal or bone fragments may be incorporated.

The surgery will be conducted in a sterile environment in the operating room, and you will be given spinal or general anaesthesia. Your upper thigh will be fitted with a tourniquet to minimize blood loss while you lie on your back. The procedure typically lasts around two hours.

To begin the surgery, you will be positioned on the operating table, and your leg will be cleaned and draped with sterile material. A tourniquet will then be wrapped around your upper thigh, and the surgical area will be sterilized. Next, a 7 cm incision will be made to expose your knee joint. If the procedure is performed using arthroscopy, smaller incisions will be made instead.

Afterward, the bone ends of your femur and tibia will be prepared using either a saw or a burr. Trial components will then be inserted to ensure a proper fit before the final components, such as the Femoral and Tibial components, are put in place with or without cement.

Finally, the knee will be carefully closed, drains may be inserted, and the knee will be dressed and bandaged.